California Divorce Guides
Everything you need to know about filing for divorce in California.
Court information, e-filing options, and filing tips for every California county we cover.
FL-700 vs. FL-800: Joint Petition or Summary Dissolution? (California 2026)
Both let California couples file together without serving papers — so what's the difference between the Joint Petition (FL-700) and Summary Dissolution (FL-800)? Eligibility, forms, and how to choose.
What Happens After FL-700: California Divorce Timeline
What happens after you file a joint petition: financial disclosures, the 6-month wait, final judgment — and the deadlines that trip couples up.
FL-700 Divorce Cost in California: Filing Fees + Total (2026)
What a California joint petition divorce costs: court filing fees for the case, what FL-700 saves vs. a standard filing, fee waivers, and preparation costs.
FL-700 Joint Petition: California's New Divorce Form (2026)
What Form FL-700 is, who qualifies, how to fill it out, and what it costs. California's new joint petition explained step by step — updated for 2026.
FL-700 vs FL-100: Which California Divorce Form Do You Need?
The difference between California's joint petition (FL-700) and standard petition (FL-100), who should use each, and how to switch if cooperation breaks down.
Form FL-710 Explained: The Joint Petition Summons (California)
What the FL-710 joint petition summons does, why no one gets served, the restraining orders it contains, and how it differs from a standard FL-110.
How to Revoke a California Joint Petition (Form FL-720)
Either spouse can revoke a California Joint Petition using Form FL-720. Learn what revocation does, how the case reverts to a traditional filing, and why you don't lose your original filing date.
Joint Petition Divorce With Children in California (FL-105)
Yes, couples with kids can use California's FL-700 joint petition. What changes: the FL-105 declaration, parenting plan, and child support basics.
Joint Petition Final Judgment in California (FL-180 & FL-190)
How a California joint petition becomes a final divorce: the FL-180 and FL-190 judgment forms, the earliest possible end date, and mistakes that cause rejections.
Divorce Mediation in California: Cost, Process, and Alternatives
What a divorce mediator does in California, how much mediation costs, when you need one, and when an online service like MutualFile is a better fit.
How to Get Divorced in California Without a Lawyer
A practical guide to filing for divorce in California without hiring an attorney — when it's safe, when to get help, and how MutualFile replaces the lawyer for uncontested cases.
Legal Separation vs. Divorce in California: Which to File
Compare legal separation and divorce in California — the process, cost, timeline, and key differences. Learn when separation makes sense and how to convert it to divorce.
Keeping the House in a California Divorce: Community Property Rules
Can you keep the house in a California divorce? Learn how community property rules apply to your home, buyout options, and what happens to the mortgage.
Date of Separation in California Divorce: Why It Matters Financially
Your date of separation determines what counts as community property in California. Learn what qualifies as separation and how it affects your divorce settlement.
Dividing Retirement Accounts in California Divorce: QDRO Guide
How to divide 401(k)s, pensions, and IRAs in a California divorce using a QDRO. Learn what a Qualified Domestic Relations Order does and when you need one.
FL-141: The Form Everyone Forgets (and Why It Delays Your Divorce)
The FL-141 Declaration Regarding Service of Disclosure is a small form that causes big delays. Learn what it is, when to file it, and how to avoid common mistakes.
FL-142 Schedule of Assets and Debts: How to List Your House, Car & 401(k)
Step-by-step guide to completing California's FL-142 Schedule of Assets and Debts. Learn how to list real estate, vehicles, retirement accounts, and debts.
FL-150 Income and Expense Declaration: 10 Common Mistakes (2026)
How to fill out California's FL-150 Income and Expense Declaration correctly. Avoid the 10 most common mistakes that cause court rejections and delays.
FL-160 Property Declaration: When You Need It vs. FL-142
Learn when to use California's FL-160 Property Declaration instead of the FL-142 Schedule of Assets and Debts, and how to fill it out correctly.
California Joint Petition Divorce (SB 1427) — File Together, No One Gets Served
File for divorce (dissolution) together in California with the Joint Petition (SB 1427). No process server, no petitioner vs. respondent — every form explained.
Summary Dissolution in California: Easy Divorce Requirements (2026)
A summary dissolution is the simplest way to end a marriage in California. Learn the 2026 eligibility requirements and how it differs from a regular divorce.
The 10-Year Rule for Alimony in California Divorce (2026)
How a marriage lasting 10 years or more affects spousal support (alimony) in California. Learn about long-term marriage rules and what they mean for your case.
How to File for Divorce in Los Angeles County, California (2026)
Step-by-step guide to filing for divorce in Los Angeles County — Stanley Mosk Courthouse info, e-filing, fees, and local tips.
How to File for Divorce in Orange County, California (2026)
Step-by-step guide to filing for divorce in Orange County — Lamoreaux Justice Center info, e-filing, fees, and local tips.
How to File for Divorce in San Diego County, California (2026)
Step-by-step guide to filing for divorce in San Diego County — courthouse info, e-filing, fees, and local tips.
Default Divorce in California: No Response?
Learn how default divorce works in California when your spouse doesn't file a response, including the process, forms needed, and what to expect.
How Much Does a Divorce Cost in California?
A breakdown of California divorce costs including court filing fees, attorney fees, and affordable alternatives like online divorce filing.
California Divorce Forms: FL-100, FL-110, FL-120
A plain-English guide to the key California divorce forms, including the Petition (FL-100), Summons (FL-110), and Response (FL-120), plus other forms you may need.
California Financial Disclosures: FL-140 & FL-150
Understand California's mandatory financial disclosure requirements in divorce, including the Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140), Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142), and Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150).
How Long Does a Divorce Take in California?
A realistic look at California divorce timelines, including the mandatory 6-month waiting period, what affects how long your case takes, and how to avoid delays.
How to File for Divorce in California (2026)
Learn how to file for divorce in California, from meeting residency requirements to filing your petition and finalizing your case. Updated for 2026.
How to Serve Divorce Papers in California
Learn about the different ways to serve divorce papers in California, including personal service, process servers, and Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt.
California Uncontested Divorce: Process & Costs
Everything you need to know about filing an uncontested divorce in California, including eligibility requirements, the step-by-step process, and what it costs.